Pacific Biological Station

• PBS Open House 2002 Picture Gallery
• Dr. W.E. (Bill) Ricker dies at age 93
• Building through the years (a brief history of PBS )
   

Facility Description

The Pacific Biological Station is the main facility for the Science Branch of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the Pacific Region.

The Pacific Biological Station (PBS) was established in 1908 and is the principal centre for fisheries research on the West Coast. There are some 22 structures, of various ages, on the site including a four-story office/wet lab building, specialty storage structures for hazardous chemicals and salt water pumping facilities. PBS maintains a number of workshops for research support. There is a 200-lineal-foot wharf used for loading, unloading, and berthage of research vessels, as well as a small boat dock for inshore research boats. PBS also maintains a library and meeting facilities. Aquatic facilities, primarily used by Aquaculture Science, include ambient temperature and heated salt water and fresh (municipal supply) water.  Adjacent to PBS is the Whitmore building, a two-story structure built in 1966 that houses the South Coast Division of Operations Branch.

Activities

Research at PBS responds to Stock Assessment, Aquaculture, Marine Environment and Habitat Science, and Ocean Science and Productivity priorities. Fisheries management through Operations Branch is also conducted here. It is anticipated that these activities will remain integral components of the Department’s ongoing business.

Programs Currently Supported by the Facility